looking to get my first mech mod. thinking stingray clone. is the 101 vapes legit/good

[murfection]

Hey everyone
I am looking to get my first mech mod and after some research and looking at my local shop im thinking about a stingray clone. I see 101 vapes has 2. One for 20 bucks and the x version for 40 bucks. Anyone have any insight on the quality of these clones. Any other suggestions are welcome also such as getting a different clone all together. Dont have a whole lot to spend but the guys at my shop sort of talked me into wanting mechanical now. However their prices are way up there. Thanks in advance

 

[p7willm]

What I look for in a clone is who makes it. I just looked at the 101 website and there was nothing about who made it so I would pass.

It's a matter of reputation. The makers of original mods have good reason, they want to sell more in the future, to maintain quality. They are also made in small quantities and have quality control and if they don't the community hears about it and they have trouble selling.

Next companies like Hcigar and Tobeco and some others have a reputation of their own. If you buy a clone from them and it has a problem you will tell your friends and next time buy from someone else. They do not have the same level of quality as the original but if they have a problem it will hurt them.

Finally you have the no-name clone. It's made by someone who has nothing invested in their reputation and is going to cut every corner they can. Since you don't know who they are there is not boing to be any repeat business no matter how good the quality.

101 is a fairly well known web site and they might stand behind what they sell but I would pay more for a hcigar, tobeco, etc. clone.

 

[Vaslovik]

I hope you have included in your research what batteries are safe to use in it and what attys are appropriate. What did you plan to top it with? Mechs are about rebuildables ya know. Have you done builds yet? Do you have an ohms meter and volt meter? They are a must if you are going to be using a mech.

 

[anumber1]

The Fasttech Stingray X is an SKX, also sold as the Infinite brand. It is a good device as far as clones go. it is cheap @ $27

https://www.fasttech.com/p/1795000

The main problem with clones is that while many may be ok, some may not be. This holds true with all brands of clones.

SKX/Infinite generally are well made but defects are possible with any Chinese clone. QC is not a priority.

Mine is flawless. Very happy with it.

 

[readeuler]

What have you been using?

Just realize that a mech requires a good bit more caution than an APV, especially at first.

Perhaps this doesn't apply to you, but if it does, don't forget to factor costs like an ohm-reader, good batteries and a good charger (although, admittedly, you'll incur the battery/charger costs with most APVs as well).

I'm addition, you'll almost certainly want a decent rebuildable atomizer or two and some various gauges of kanthal.

 

[murfection]

Thanks for the input you guys. I actually have been researching the batteries and a good charger. Most likely get the sony batteries they seem to have good reviews. And for the charger probably the nitecore i think its called. As far as a topper i was going to get one from the local shop here and they are willing to help build it for 5 dollars. I have been building coils with cotton recently but just easy builds for like t3s and evods. I have a vision spinner 2 a regular old ego t and an mvp2. Which i think will work for reading my ohms right? I assume it reads the lower sub ohm builds. Probably get a cheap multi meter that will read voltage on my batteries because i am aware of the issues with draining to low and making sure they are fully charged also shorting and possibly causing harm. Def don t want to blow a hand or finger off. Again thanks for the help you guys i will probably pass on the 101 vapes i did read a couple of good reviews and had been looking on ebay as well. I just had a good experience with them getting my mvp2. Any other similar mods i should look to over the stingray. Seems its comparable to the nemesis. Ok thanks again

 

[krobeson]

I have a decent Akuma clone by Acerig. My only complaint with it is the fire button is kind of twitchy and fires here and there. The MVP will read your builds but I wouldn't solely rely on that to check your resistance. You can pick up an ohm meter with a 510 connection at most B&Ms and also online/eBay. Get VERY familiar with ohms law!!! Oh....those Sony batteries you want are VTC4 and VTC5 which are 30A batteries and good for sub ohm applications.

 

[murfection]

Thanks for the info on the batteries and all the insight you guys! I am going to continue to read about the saftey and what not and look for the most trouble free inexpensive mod!